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Fear can be paralyzing. It’s mentioned throughout the scriptures, with stories of people fearing each other, fearing to follow God’s instructions, fearing the presence of angels, fearing death, etc. In many passages, the words “Do not fear” are also included and we’re encouraged by them. Then there’s Luke 12:4-7 when Jesus instructs us to “fear Him!”, which is to fear God because He holds the ultimate power over life, death and eternity. He goes on to remind us of this:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” –Luke 12:6-7 NKJV

There is such a thing as healthy fear. It’s a deep acknowledgement within one’s self that “He is God and I am not.” The irony is that true “fearlessness” starts with a healthy fear. It’s not the absence of fear, but a properly placed one. What or who do you fear today? Step outside and listen to the birds chirping. Their little songs are valuable to the Lord. They’re never forgotten and you’re considered even much more valuable than them. Do not fear today…you’re in the hands of Almighty God!

The pressure to conform to cultural norms is part of life. Even within faith circles, there are those who position themselves as the guardians of all things “acceptable”. Jesus spoke of such people, and one of His statements about them was this:

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” –Luke 12:1b NKJV

In the Jewish world of the first century, the Pharisees were social bullies and dominated the public discourse. Their words, doctrines, and attitudes were the norm; and speaking their “language” was the only way to get their affirmation and acceptance.

As followers of Jesus, we must be careful to base our words, doctrines and attitudes on Him (and His Word). The wind of peer pressure is always blowing. Sometimes it’s a gentle breeze among friends and family, but other times it’s an aggressive squall. In today’s world, “tolerance” has become the supreme virtue by which all others are measured. Debate is no longer about absolute truth, but about who’s “truth” it is. So, as the social climate changes and the wind picks up; what will your convictions, words, and actions be based on?

When praying, we must remember that God’s parental perspective is far beyond ours. As parents, we often struggle regarding “what, when and how”; but God doesn’t. He never paces the floor with worry or stays awake at night wondering, because there are no “unknowns” and “what ifs” for Him.

In Luke 11:5-13 Jesus speaks of how a friend gives bread to a neighbor and then compares it to a good parent giving the right things. The “ask, seek, and knock” phrase in the middle of the story (v. 9) gets quoted much, but consider the bigger picture. God’s provision is perfect. It’s not about asking louder, seeking differently, or knocking harder; it’s about confidence in the character of the One we’re asking. He hears with genuine compassion, then chooses what, when and how to respond with our best interests in mind.

Are you asking for something today? Don’t lose faith because of time passing, or circumstances changing. He knows. He’s not forgotten. And you can trust His heart…always.

In our “connected” world, loud voices call out everywhere; on TV, the radio, and social media feeds. In the first century, there was also a mixture of voices calling out. For a disciple, Jesus gave an illustration of how a shepherd gathers his sheep;

“…and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” – John 10:3b-4 NKJ

In those days, when the market had multiple shepherds and sheep passing through, it was a chaotic scene for everyone…except the sheep. They had a singular focus on the voice of the shepherd. Not just a generic shepherd, their shepherd. The one they had known all along. The inflection, accent and language was unique to the one leading.

How about us? There are so many voices demanding to be heard, but there is only one Voice worthy to be followed. Yes, there are faithful men and women who are gifted to teach and speak, but in reality, they can only be an echo of the Voice. What they speak must be in the spirit of John the Baptist (“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30) or they risk spiritual infidelity.

What voice are you listening to today?

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3 NKJV

Doing the “right thing” may be seen by many, a few, or only Him. We must remember that choosing righteousness and justice is ultimately in service to Him, not people; and obedience is the mark of a disciple.

With each cultural shift, the world system promises new liberties, but delivers bondage in creative new ways. There’s only one form of true personal liberty;

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” – John 8:31-32 NKJV

The Word of God is the only place to find answers to questions that tug at our souls. When Jesus spoke these words, He was debating Jewish leaders who knew the scriptures, but struggled to know the One who gave them. At the beginning of John’s gospel, he tells us that Jesus is the Word. He always was, He is now, and will always be. To know Him personally is to be free.

What thoughts, struggles or trickery of the world are you struggling with today? In Christ, there’s freedom through a deep down, settled conviction that He’s Sovereign King. Yes, there will still be personal “gnats” pestering us from time-to-time, but the question is, “Do you let them dominate?” If we’re not careful, we can subconsciously let them rule us and the only way forward to freedom is going back to the Word; the scripture and His personal counsel. It’s the “abiding” part; and where there’s abiding, there’s freedom…even from the personal gnats.

Pride is relentless. It can cause self-deception, and distorts our view of reality. Even though the disciples spent every day hearing and seeing Jesus, pride was a constant foe; and the battle was real. Consider this moment:

“Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?’ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” – Mark 9:33-35 NKJV

Pride can be “sneaky mean” and silently creep in where we least expect it. It’s been said that humility isn’t thinking lowly of ourselves, it’s simply not thinking of ourselves at all. In what area of life does pride challenge you? Victory starts with prayer…

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” – Proverbs 20:29 HCSB

The way a society views its elder population, reveals much of its spiritual condition. May we in the church model an appreciation for those who have so much love, experience, and wisdom to give.

Admission of weak faith can be the beginning of moving forward.

For example, Mark records that a father brought his son to be healed from an evil spirit and the disciples couldn’t help him. Later, when Jesus arrived, the father asked Him to heal his son and they had this exchange:

Jesus: “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Child’s Father: “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!”

(Mark 9:23-24 NKJV)

Mark also describes how desperate and tearful the man was. He was so concerned for his child, but admitted his shortcoming and asked for the Lord’s help. In a moment, his son was healed and his faith grew exponentially; not because of self-generated commitment, but because of his humble request.

Honesty with the Lord is always the best place to start. He knows every detail and secret thought of our heart already; and we’re in need of confessing them. Is there an area of life where your faith is faltering? If so, confess it. Admit the obvious, and speak the words of “Lord please help my unbelief…”

The disciples knew empowerment, but they also knew weakness.

In Mark chapter 6 records where they were sent out by Jesus with the power over evil spirits and to heal. Afterwards, they returned with stories of demons being cast out and people miraculously healed. However, when the crowd looking for Jesus caught up to them, there was a crisis (thousands of people and no food).

The disciples inquired of the Lord about the need, and He said,

“You give them something to eat.”

Their response,

“Shall we go and buy two-hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”  – Mark 6:37 NKJV

What happened next is the very familiar story of Jesus feeding the five-thousand, but consider the moment in light of where the disciples had just come from. They had literally just been the instruments of healing and casting out demons in dramatic fashion, but when it came to groceries, they were looking for money. We do that sometimes. Jesus proves himself faithful in powerful, awe-inspiring ways, then a grocery crisis pops-up and we start digging through the “couch cushions” of our life for nickels and dimes.

In both situations (twelve being sent out, and feeding the five-thousand) the power was the Lord’s. The disciples were always powerless in their own abilities. It was the Lord’s authority that sent demons fleeing, the mention of His name that mended broken bodies, and His miraculous provision refreshing the basket each time bread was drawn out. They were “power-less”, but He was “power-full”.

In what ways will His power be displayed in your life today?

Pride and fear can build walls of separation. There was a woman in the Gospels who’d suffered from a bleeding affliction for twelve years. In addition to the obvious physical challenges, she would have also been considered perpetually “unclean” according to Jewish law, (limiting her worship activities).

When Jesus came near, she saw an opportunity to be healed. However, it was unthinkable in that day for an unclean person to expect physical interaction with a rabbi…so she sneaked a touch. Reaching through the chaos of the crowd, she made contact with Jesus’ clothes; and healing power surged through her body. When He turned to inquire about the touch, she fell at His feet trembling, but Jesus said this:

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” – Mark 5:34 NKJV

Sometimes there’s fear in the “reaching”. Sometimes pride prevents an extension of the hand to admit we need Him. But the truth is, we NEED Him! His healing power is available and His grace can cleanse a dirty life. What do you need to reach out for today? There’s nothing like the touch of the Master!